Former Black Hawk Pilot Shot Down In Iraq In 2004

Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq veteran who was injured when the Black Hawk helicopter she was flying was shot down during a 2004 mission in Iraq, is stepping down as an assistant secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs to return to her home in Illinois. Many think the double amputee will mount a bid for the U.S. Congress.

Duckworth was one of two pilots on board the Black Hawk when it was hit by fire from Iraqi insurgents. She and her co-pilot landed the helo successfully, but she lost both of her legs as a result of the accident. The Washington Post reports that Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki said in a statement that her injuries gave her a special insight into the needs of veterans.

Duckworth In 2006

While Duckworth, a Democrat, has not confirmed a run for Congress, news reports from Illinois indicate that she is looking at a seat in the state's 8th congressional district, which is pending redistricting. She had previously run against Republican Peter Roskam, who prevailed in that race. After being appointed to the state department of Veterans Affairs by then-governor Rod Blagojevich, she stepped up to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

No firm date for her departure from the department has been announced.

FMI: www.va.gov